US6391336B1

US6391336B1 - Inorganic-polymer complexes for the controlled release of compounds including medicinals

Info

Publication number: US6391336B1
Application number: US08/935,300
Authority: US
Inventors: Garfield P. Royer
Original assignee: Royer Biomedical Inc
Current assignee: Royer Biomedical Inc
Priority date: 1997-09-22
Filing date: 1997-09-22
Publication date: 2002-05-21
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-22
Also published as: WO1999015150A1; US6630486B1; CA2303884A1; EP1017364A4; JP5259030B2; JP2001517613A; US20040208934A1; EP1017364A1; US6869976B2; US20030170307A1; CA2303884C; AU9492598A; AU758803B2

Abstract

This invention relates generally to the production and use of inorganic-polymer complexes for the controlled release of compounds including medicinals. The inorganic compound used is advantageously calcium sulfate-hemihydrate. The invention includes a composition for the controlled release of an active agent comprising: a) a hydrated or crystallized inorganic compound, and b) a matrix polymer which slows the release of the active agent, wherein the composition is a solid matrix due to the hydration or crystallization of the inorganic compound. Further included is a composition for the controlled release of an active agent comprising: a) a hydrated or crystallized inorganic compound, and b) a complexing agent which forms a salt or conjugate with the active agent, wherein the composition is a solid matrix due to the hydration or crystallization of the inorganic compound.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the production and use of inorganic-polymer complexes for the controlled release of compounds including medicinals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systemic antibiotic treatment is often unsatisfactory in cases of osteomyelitis as well as infections in devitalized tissue, avascular scar tissue, and other areas with insufficient blood supply. Increasing blood levels of antibiotics can result in toxicity. For example, aminoglycosides can produce ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Another problem with long-term systemic treatment with antibiotics is the selection of drug-resistant mutants. In poorly vascularized areas, the infectious organism may encounter concentrations below the minimum lethal concentration which provides the opportunity for selection of a resistant form. Also, in large-animal veterinary practice, the cost of the antibiotic for systemic use can be an issue.

Antibiotic formulations of polymethylmethacrylate have been employed as antiseptic bone cement and as beads either free or attached to a wire which is used for percutaneous removal [H. W. Bucholz, et al, Chiburg, 43, 446 (1970)]. PMMA is not bioerodible.

An alternative is plaster of Paris (POP) which has been used without matrix biopolymers or medicinal complexing agents as CaSO₄.1/2H₂O [D. Mackey, et al, Clin. Orthop., 167, 263 (1982); and G. W. Bowyer, et al, J. Trauma, 36, 331 (1994)]. Polymethylmethacrylate and POP have been compared with regard to release profiles. Release rates from POP tend to be very fast.

Both polymethylmethacrylate and POP can be used to produce dimensionally stable beads and other structures. The acrylate cements or beads are formed by mixing pre-formed polymethylmethacrylate polymer, methylmethacrylate monomer, and a free-radical initiator. An exothermic reaction ensues which results in matrix temperatures as high as 100° C. Many antibiotics such as polymyxin and tetracycline are inactivated by these conditions [G. J. Popham, et al, Orth. Rev., 20, 331 (1991)]. As mentioned above, polymethylmethacrylate is biocompatible but not resorbable. Therefore, beads used to treat local infection must be retrieved by surgery which is accompanied by the risk of reinfection.

POP beads or pellets are resorbable but show inferior drug release profiles [G. W. Bowyer, et al, J. Trauma, 36, 331 (1994)].

Compositions containing hyaluronic acid have been used for topical administration of pharmacological substances [F. Della Valle, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,331 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,024].

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a safe resorbable delivery system which enables controlled release of medicinals.

It is an object of the invention to provide a delivery system with controllable setting time.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a delivery system which is an injectable liquid which solidifies in a timely way once in place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to a delivery system comprising:

a) an inorganic compound capable of undergoing hydration and/or crystalization, and

b) a matrix polymer, and/or

c) a complexing agent.

In another embodiment, the system comprises a complexing agent and a medicinal. Included within the invention are methods of producing sustained release of a medicinal in a mammal by administering the system with a medicinal to a mammal. A still further embodiment of the invention is a method of diagnosing disease in a mammal by administering a radiopaque matrix to the mammal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to a resorbable matrix with favorable release kinetics. Inorganic compounds such as CaSO₄.1/2 H₂O can be combined with biopolymers in the presence of a bioactive agent including medicinals to produce a matrix.

In addition to the inorganic compound there are:

(i) a matrix polymer, and/or (ii) a complexing agent. As used herein, the term “matrix polymer” refers to a polymer (often a biopolymer) which serves to control the erosion rate, setting time, and influences the release profile by raising the viscosity of the medium in the pores and channels of the delivery system. As used herein, the term “complexing agent,” refers to an agent (often a biopolymer), which is used to form a salt or conjugate with the active agent which in effect raises the molecular weight of the active agent and lowers its rate of efflux. The complexing agent is typically a small molecule capable of aggregation which has affinity for the active agent. Pharmacologically acceptable hydrophobic medicinal complexing agents include proteins such as albumin, lipids or cyclodextrins which can be used to complex neutral medicinal molecules or charged molecules which contain an apolar moiety. Liposomes containing a medicinal can be entrapped within the calcium sulfate matrix.

The reaction scheme for forming a matrix including a medicinal is shown below:

The consistency and viscosity of the slurry is dependent on the amount and nature of the matrix biopolymer. The slurry can be injected with subsequent formation of a solid in vivo.

A medicinal can exist in the inorganic-biopolymer complex either free or complexed to the medicinal complexing agent. The free compound is released relatively fast. The complexed medicinal is released relatively slowly often contingent on the bioerosion of the inorganic-biopolymer complex. Antibiotics and local anesthetics are used to illustrate this principle:

The resorbable inorganic-biopolymer complex can contain free antibiotic (e.g., as the sodium salt) or in the form of a biopolymer complex with a polycation such as polylysine or polymyxin B. Lidocaine is conveniently employed as the hydrochloride, the free base, or complexed as the salt of chondroitin sulfate or polyglutamate.

I. General Considerations

The delivery system of the subject invention for use with medicinals must meet the following requirements:

1. Safety—non-toxic, non-immunogenic, non-pyrogenic, non-allergenic.

2. Resorbablility—all components should be either assimilable or readily excreted.

3. Stability—the matrix should be sterilizable and precursors should have an acceptable shelf-life. Cast forms should be dimensionally stable.

4. Compatibility—the materials and the preparative conditions should not alter the chemistry or activity of the medicinal.

5. Programmability—the residence time and release profile should be adjustable.

There are typically two or three components in the inorganic-polymer complex matrix

1. An inorganic compound, for example, CaSO₄.1/2H₂O

2. Matrix polymer, for example, hyaluronic acid or dextran

3. Complexing agent, for example, chondroitin sulfate, polylysine, or cyclodextrin.

Inorganic Compounds

Calcium sulfate.1/2H₂O (hemihydrate) is the preferred inorganic component. The hemihydrate takes up water and crystallizes as the higher hydrate. Unadulterated calcium sulfate matrix exhibits poor drug release profiles. With matrix polymers and complexing agent-active agent complexes the release profiles are improved. Other inorganics may be employee such as calcium silicates, aluminates, hydroxides and/or phosphates (see pages 72, 95, 327 in Reference Book of Inorganic Chemistry (1951) Latimer, W. H., and Hildebrand, J. M., Macmillan, New York, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).

The inorganic compound goes from slurry to solid in a reasonable time period, i.e., 10 minutes-two hours. The matrix biopolymer influences the setting time and the release profile.

Polymers

In order to slow the efflux of active agent, e.g., medicinal, from the dosage form, polymers, often biopolymers, are included in the matrix to raise the viscosity. Hyaluronic acid (e.g., 1-5%), proteins, e.g., collagen (gelatin), fibrinogen, which form viscous solutions (e.g.,1-30%), and dextran (e.g., 1-50%) are examples. Viscosity can be changed as a function of time. Hydrolytic enzymes such as a protease, can be included to lower the viscosity as a function of time to speed the efflux and compensate for the decrease in the medicinal gradient. This feature provides for a desirable release profile. For medicinal uses, biopolymers (polymers of biological origin) are advantageously employed.

Complexing Agents

To make biopolymer-medicinal complexes for use in parenteral matrices, polymers which are known to be safe are employed. Polymers useful for this purpose include, but are not limited to, the following:

glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin sulfate

polynucleotides

acidic proteins

polyglutamic acid

polyaspartic acid

The polymers should be assimilable for use in veterinary or human medicine.

For the complexation of anionic medicinals such as some β-lactam antibiotics advantageous polymers include polylysine, polyornithine, and polymyxins. For medicinals not carrying a net positive or negative charge or those that possess a significant amount of apolar character, neutral complexing agents are employed. Examples include cyclodextrins and proteins which bind the medicinals. Small molecules which aggregate and bind the medicinals are alternatives. Apolar molecules which form multi-molecular aggregates can be employed. This type is exemplified by liposomes. A series of active medicinals which possess varying degrees of apolar character can be advantageously employed with the apolar complexing agent. Such a series is exemplified by hydrocortisone hemisuccinate-sodium, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, and hydrocortisone octanoate.

The rationale for using complexing agents is based on Stokes law:

D∝1/Mv

D=the diffusion coefficient

M=the molecular weight of the medicinal

v=the viscosity of the medium

Use of complexation biopolymers in effect, raises the molecular weight of the medicinal The presence of both the matrix biopolymer and medicinal complexing agent can increase the viscosity within the matrix which lowers the diffusivity. Another view of the retardation of release concerns the maintenance of electrical neutrality. In order for the charged medicinal to diffuse away from the medicinal complexing agent an external counterion must first diffuse into the matrix and exchange for the medicinal.

The medicinal complexing agent serves to delay the release of the medicinal. The medicinal complexing agents can be in the form of a cationic polymer such as polylysine or polyoptithine, an anionic polymer such as chondroitin sulfate and a neutral compound such as cyclodextrin or a lipid or mixture of lipids. Also, chondroitin sulfate can be used with a tetramethyl-lysine linker

which is used in anhydride linkage with β-lactam antibiotics (I) or a carboxylated NSAID (II):

Use of a series of medicinal complexing agents of varying size is illustrated by the example of penicillin G ionically complexed to progressively larger amines: procaine, benzathine, polymyxin, and polylysine. Cationic medicinals may be analogously bound to progressively larger carboxylate (sulfate) containing compounds. An enzymatic digest of chondroitin sulfate constitutes a random series of sizes and is conveniently prepared.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a complexing agent and a medicinal only (without an inorganic); see e.g., Table 1 compositions E, H, J, K, L and O. In another embodiment of the invention, there is a matrix polymer and a medicinal only (without an inorganic), for example, hyaluronic acid and a medicinal such as an antibiotic or anesthetic. Complexing agents for non-medicinals are discussed in section V “Non-medical Applications.”

Advantageous delivery systems of the invention are shown in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1

			Complexing
Formulation	CaSO₄½H₂O	Matrix polymer	agent	Medicinal

A	1 g	HA - 0.6 ml (2%)		50 mg NF
R/100 mg Ia
B	1 g	Dextran - 0.6 ml (20%)	lecithin -	50 mg NF
R/100 mg Ia			100 mg
C	1 g	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)	polyglutamic	100 mg lidocaine
			acid
D	1 g	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)	chon S	100 mg amikacin
E	—	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)	chon S	Amikacin 100 mg
F	1 g	Dextran - 6 ml (20%)	polylysine	Cef 100 mg
		HA, 0.6 ml (2%)
G	1 g	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)		500 mg HC
				(10% a.i.)
H	—	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)		500 mg HC
				(10% a.i.)
I	1 g	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)		50 mg cis-platin
J	—	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)	chon S	Lidocaine 100 mg
K	—	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)	chon S	Morphine 100 mg
L	—	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)	chon S	Hydromorphone
				100 mg
M	1 g	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)		50 mg Imip
N	1 g	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)		5 mg BMP-2
O	—	HA, 0.6 ml (2%)	polylysine	100 mg Imip
P	1 g	—	0.6 ml chon S	lidocaine 24 mg
Q	.5 g	HA, 1 ml (2%)		HA
R*	1 g	Dextran 200 mg (solid)	—	Lidocaine 100 mg
				(solid)
S	1 g	Gelatin (10%) 0.6 ml	—	Lidocaine 100 mg
				(solid)

R = radiopaque
Ia = iodipamide
HA = hyaluronic acid, sodium salt
NF = norfloxacin
Imip = imipenem
Cef = cefazolin
HC = hydrocortisone
CD = 2-hydroxypropyl-(3-cyclodextrin)
Chon S = chondroitin sulfate
LD = lidocaine
*Slurry is made with 0.6 ml of water.

II. Production of the Inorganic-Biopolymer Complex-Medicinal Matrix and Modes of Administration

The basis for formation of the inorganic-biopolymer complex matrix can be expressed in the following reaction:

The drug, free and complexed to a medicinal complexing agent, is conveniently mixed with calcium sulfate as a finely ground solid. The matrix biopolymer is included to influence the setting time and the drug release profile.

The setting time can be adjusted so that the user can administer the inorganic-biopolymer complex matrix in the form of a liquid using a syringe with a 23 gauge needle or larger. The matrix will solidify soon thereafter. It is convenient to transfer the slurry to the barrel of a syringe using a spatula or second syringe. The plunger is inserted and the inorganic-biopolymer complex matrix is injected after expulsion of air. Subcutaneous injections are routinely done with a syringe fitted with a 25-gauge needle. Dispensing into molds can be accomplished using a syringe fitted with a blunt needle or in some cases a pipette. The liquid injection can be s.c., i.m., or i.p. Advantageously, the administration is done by parenteral injection.

Administration of the solid matrix can be by surgical implant, oral, i.p., i.a. or p.a. Specific sites can be targeted for administration of the medicinal such as an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory.

The drug is conveniently employed as a solid which can be finely ground and mixed with the calcium sulfate. The matrix polymer is routinely used as a solution. In a representative formulation the following proportions and ingredients are used:


	Ingredient	Amount

Calcium sulfate	1	g
Drug	50	mg
matrix biopolymer at 2%	0.6	ml

If the calcium sulfate amount is set at 1 g, the amount of drug used is in the range of 1-200 mg and the matrix biopolymer in the range of 0.4-3 ml. The concentration of the matrix biopolymer ranges from 0.1-50%.

Cooling of the ingredients prior to mixing slows the reaction. Increased liquid/solid ratios tend to slow the reaction also. Low molecular weight alcohols, such as propanol and butanol, significantly prolong the setting time. The influence of two matrix biopolymers is shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2

Change of setting time by matrix biopolymers

A. Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Calcium sulfate	HA (%)	Setting time (min)

1 g	0.6 ml (0)	75
1 g	0.6 ml (.2)	60
1 g	0.6 ml (2)	20

B. Dextran
Calcium sulfate	Dextran (%)	Setting time (min)

1 g	0.6 ml (0)	75
1 g	0.6 ml (10)	15
1 g	0.6 ml (20)	25
1 g	0.6 ml (50)	80

Dextran (clinical grade) is a convenient accelerator at low concentrations. The solutions are less viscous than HA solutions and dextran is inexpensive.

The inorganic-biopolymer complex can be formed as spheres, granules, cylinders, tablets and beads (including microbeads) for injection or for use in capsules. The latter can be formed by dispersing the slurry into a rapidly stirring water-immiscible medium. The size of the beads can be determined by the amount and nature of the surfactant and the stirring rate. For orthopedic and dental use the inorganic-biopolymer complex matrix can be molded and or carved into specific shapes to conform to, voids in bone structures. Just prior to formation of the intractable solid, the material is plastic and can be conveniently shaped to fit openings of irregular geometry.

III. Release Profile

An idealized release profile has three phases. The burst phase is not necessary for many drugs but would be advantageous for anesthetics and antimicrobics. The maintenance, or zero-order phase, is a desirable result of the delayed release of the complexed drug. The drop-off, referred to as the closing phase, occurs as the bioerosion process comes to a conclusion. Sub-batches of beads of varying size, drug load, and release profile can be blended to provide the desired release profile.

With regard to control of the release profile, one should consider that the rate of diffusion is given by

rate=DA(d[m]/dx) (1)

D=the diffusion coefficient

A=the surface area

d[m]/dx=the medicinal gradient

Also, according to Stokes Law

D∝1/Mv (2)

D=diffusion coefficient

M=molecular weight

v=viscosity

The use of the medicinal complexing agent will change the effective molecular weight of the medicinal. The matrix density and composition will influence the internal viscosity of the delivery system.

Simultaneous use of medicinal complexing agents of varying size is used advantageously. For example, penicillin G in the form of salts of potassium, procaine, polymyxin, and polylysine can be used. Polyanions with a range of sizes can be produced by enzymatically digesting glycosaminoglycans.

The shape of the delivery device will dictate the surface area. For example the surface area of a sphere is given by

A=4πr² (3)

The volume of a sphere is given by

\begin{matrix} V = \frac{4}{3} π r^{3} & (4) \end{matrix}

Combining (3) and (4) gives

A/V=3r (5)

According to equation (5) as beads get smaller, the surface area per a given volume of inorganic-biopolymer complex increases. One cc of inorganic-biopolymer complex matrix dispersed as small beads delivers drug faster than one cc dispersed as large beads. The desired zero-order release profile can be approached by using the proper blend of beads of varying size.

Residence time in vivo and bio-compatability have been assessed using hamsters. Inorganic-biopolymer complex matrices were injected (0.3 ml) subcutaneously. At timed intervals the animals were sacrificed to determine the residence time and the condition of the injection site as judged by histo/path analysis. All formulations were very well tolerated. The proportion of calcium sulfate or density was an important factor in residence time. Denser formulations lasted longer. Calcium sulfate/ HA (3/2) show a residence time of 35 days. Calcium sulfate/ HA (1/2) showed a residence time of 20 days. Spherical beads (3.2 mm in diameter) made of calcium sulfate/HA (1/1) lasted ten days. Beads containing silver benzoate lasted two weeks and were well tolerated with no toxicity to local tissues.

Another means to control the release profile involves drug precursors. As the precursor is converted to the native compound, its avidity (affinity) for the medicinal complexing agent decreases which in turn raises its diffusivity, thus creating a biphasic release profile. As opposed to release of a molecule that is covalently linked to a polymer, this embodiment is dependent on a change in polarity. Consider the following:

Compound I is positively charged at physiological pH. It is strongly bound to chondroitin sulfate. As it hydrolyzes to form Compound II, the net charge becomes zero and as a consequence the release is accelerated. A biphasic release profile is the result when free II is included in the dosage form. The release profile can be controlled by the nature of the hydrolyzable group attached to the carboxyl group. The hydrolyzable group can be an ester, an anhydride or other labile functionalities.

IV. Medicinals

A. Non-protein Drugs

The delivery systems described herein are well suited for sustained release of: an analgesic, an anesthetic, an antialcohol preparation, an anti-microbic, an antiseptic (e.gs. silver ion, and silver sulfadiazine), an anticoagulant, an antineoplastic, an antidepressant, an anti-diabetic agent, an antihypertensive drug, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antinauseant, an anorexic, an antiulcer drug, a cardiovascular drug, a contraceptive, an antihistamine, a diuretic, a hormone/antihormone, an immunosuppressive, a narcotic detoxification agent, a uricosuric agent, and a wound healing promoter.

A logical alternative to systemic treatment is to employ delivery systems for local release of antibiotics. In this case, levels much greater than the minimum lethal concentration can be achieved in the therapeutic compartment while blood levels remain low. Inorganic biopolymer complexes can be implanted as beads after surgical debridement or the matrix can be injected as a liquid with subsequent solidification.

The inorganic-biopolymer complexes containing antibiotics are especially useful in filling cavities in bone produced by osteomyelitis. Placement of antibiotic-inorganic-biopolymer complexes in the vicinity of infected bone or other tissue results in eradication of the micro-organism and permits aseptic healing accompanied by resorption of the inorganic-biopolymer complex. When treating bone lesions, bone morphogenic proteins can also be included to promote growth of new bone.

Inorganic biopolymer complexes are effective for treatment of other local infections, such as joint sepsis, surgical infections, wound infections, uterine infections, oral-dental-periodontal infections, vaginitis, and localized abscesses. Likely infectious agents include Aeromonas, Capnocytophaga, Citrobacter, Clostridium, Edwardsiella, Eichenella, Enterobacter, Enteroccus, E. Coli, Fusobacterium, Hafnia, Kingella, Klebsiella, Moraxella, Morganella, Mycobacterium, Pasturella, Peptostreptococcus, Plesimonas, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Vibrio.

An advantageous antimicrobic for treatment of localized infections has the following characteristics:

1. Cidal

2. Broad spectrum

3. Non-toxic to local tissues

4. Soluble and mobile, that is, readily crosses inflamed membranes.

Anti-microbics of special interest include cefazolin, piperacillin, nafcillin, cephalexin, imipenem, amikacin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, enrofloxacin ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, nystatin, and amphotericin B.

In high risk surgical procedures, the antibiotic inorganic-biopolymer complexes can be used prophylactically. In abdominal surgery antibiotic beads can be distributed to provide antibiotic coverage at critical points. Placing antibiotic beads under the incision is often advantageous.

Inorganic biopolymer complexes for local delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs hold great promise for treatment of osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, and other such afflictions. Neutral and charged forms are advantageously employed together. For example, free hydrocortisone and hydrocortisone succinate complexed to polymyxin is a useful combination. The anti-inflammatory inorganic-biopolymer complexes are placed adjacent to diseased joints, tendon sheaths, etc. Use can accompany arthroscopic procedures both as an injectable and as pre-formed implants. NSAIDs are also of interest including naproxen, and disalicylate. NSAIDS, e.g., analgesics such as aspirin, and other medicinals can be formulated in tablet or capsule form for oral administration.

Inorganic-biopolymer complexes for pain control are primarily based on free and complexed cationic anesthetics such as lidocaine, buvicaine, bupivacaine, chloroprocaine, procaine, etidocaine, prilocaine, dezocine, hydromorphone, etc. An advantageous medicinal complexing agent is chondroitin sulfate. Tablets or beads are especially useful following arthroscopic procedures. Implants are placed next to the joint capsule laterally and medially. Pain relief is provided for 3-5 days which obviates or greatly reduces systemic use of narcotics.

In conjunction with surgical and diagnostic procedures, analgesia and tranquilization can be provided by the use of a complex of chondroitin sulfate and two bio-active compounds—fentanyl and droperidol. The simultaneous use of free and bound forms of the active agents provides rapid onset of the desired effects followed by sustained release from the polymeric salt.

Antineoplastics such as ifosfamide, cytoxan, carboplatin, cis-platin, leuprolide, doxorubicin, carmustine, bleomycin, and fluorouracil can be formulated in inorganic-biopolymer complexes for regional chemotherapy. In situations in which locally disseminated tumor is discovered and surgical removal is deemed inadvisable, administration of inorganic-biopolymer complex via injection is advantageous. Charged agents can be employed as salts with medicinal complexing agents as well as free. Neutral molecules can be formulated with cyclodextrins and emulsifiers. Also, following resection, antineoplastic inorganic-biopolymer complexes can placed in the void left by the tumor as a preventative of recurrence.

Radiopaque inorganic-biopolymer complexes can be produced by inclusion of BaSO₄, iodipamide, or other imaging agents in the complex. These formulations can be readily visualized radlographically during and after surgical procedures.

Pre-formed beads and tablets can be used as prophylactic anti-infectives and as pain control agents. These inorganic-biopolymer complexes are especially useful at the conclusion of orthopedic procedures such as joint arthroscopy and arthroplasty.

1 . Medicinal Proteins

As used herein, the term “medicinal” includes proteins as well as small molecules. The term “protein” includes naturally occurring proteins, recombinant proteins, protein derivatives, chemically synthesized proteins, and synthetic peptides. Medicinal proteins useful in the subject invention include colony stimulating factors (CSF) including G-CSF, GM-CSF, and M-CSF; erythropoietin; interleukins, IL-2,IL-4,IL-6,etc; interferons; growth factors (GF) including epidermal-GF, nerve-GF; tumor necrosis factor (TNF); hormones/bioactive peptides; ACTH; angiotensin, atrial natriuretic peptides, bradykynin, dynorphins/endorphins/β-lipotropin fragments, enkephalin; gastrointestinal peptides including gastrin and glucacon; growth hormone and growth hormone releasing factors; luteinizing hormone and releasing hormone: melaniocyte stimulating hormone; neurotensin; opiode peptides; oxytocin, vasopressin and vasotocin; somatostatin; substance P; clotting factors such as Factor VIII; thrombolytic factors such as TPA and streptokinase; enzymes used for “replacement therapy,” e.g., glucocerebrosidase, hexoseaminidase A; and antigens used in preventative and therapeutic vaccines such as tetanus toxoid and diptheria toxoid. Medicinal proteins of special interest appear below:


Medicinal	Clinical Indication

G-CSF	Adjunct to myelosuppressive chemo-
	therapy
Erythropoietin	Anemia, kidney disease
“Replacement” enzymes	Heritable genetic deficiencies of
	enzymes
Hormones	endocrine gland failure, treatment of
	hormone sensitive cancers, contra-
	ception, growth promotion
Cytokines such as colony	Immunoadjuvants
stimulating factors, e.g.,
GM-CSF, interferons, e.gs.,
IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, interleukins,
e.gs., IL-1, IL-2 and IL-6 and TNF
Vaccine antigens	Immunization-preventative and
	therapeutic
BMP-2	Bone replacement
Wound healing promoters	burns, trauma
rh-Lysozyme	antimicrobic
Growth Factors	growth promotion

V. Non-medical Applications

There are agricultural and industrial applications of the matrices of the invention. The polymers are not necessarily of biological origin. For example, the matrix polymer can be selected from the following: polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, starch, xanthan, cellulose and cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose). Examples of non-ionic complexing agents include polyoxyethylene esters and ethers, and surfactants of either biological or non-biological origin. Examples of ionic complexing agents include polyacrylic acid, alginic acid, dextran sulfate, polyvinylpyridine, polyvinylamine, polyethyleneimine as well as synthetic lipid compounds.

Examples of bioactive compounds which can be used with the matrix of the invention include sterilants, pheromones, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, algicides, growth regulators, nematicides, repellents, and nutrients.

The following Examples are illustrative, but not limiting of the compositions and methods of the present invention. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of a variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered which are obvious to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of this invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of a radiopague norfloxacin-inorganic-biopolymer complex

CaSO₄.1/2H₂O is sterilized by heating at 120° C. for 4 hours and then divided into 1 g aliquots which are stored in individual plastic containers in a desiccator. Calcium sulfate(1 mg), 50 mg norfloxacin, and 110 mg iodipamide, all finely ground, are mixed thoroughly. To this mixture is added 0.6 ml of cold hyaluronic acid solution (2%). The slurry is mixed to an even consistency and is loaded into the barrel of a 3 ml syringe with a spatula. The plunger is replaced and the air expelled. The needle is attached to the syringe and the inorganic-biopolymer complex is ready for administration or casting in a mold.

Example 2

Preparation of Lidocaine Matrix

calcium sulfate-hemihydrate (1 g) was mixed with finely ground dextran (clinical grade, 0.2 g) and lidocaine (1 g). The solid mixture was then stirred with 0.6 ml of water or alternatively 0.6 ml of HA (2%). The slurry was apportioned into screw-capvials, 0.2 ml each. After 24 hr. at room temperature, the samples were refrigerated. The release experiments were done at 37° C. using 1 ml of buffer per vial with changes at 24 hr. intervals. The release buffer was PBS containing 0.1% sodium azide. The concentration of lidocaine was determined spectrophotometrically (260 nm). See Table 3 below

TABLE 3

Release of Lidocaine for Matrices with (B) and
without (A) the Matrix Biopolymer.

Matrix A

Matrix B (11% Dextran)

	Day	% Release	Day	% Release

1	85	1	24
2	10	2	26
3	1	3	22
4	1	4	15
5	1	5	6

Example 3 Preparation of an Inorganic-biopolymer Complex Containing Bound and Free Amikacin

Chondroitin sulfate solution (sodium salt, 5%) is converted to the acid form by passage over a column of DOWEX-50 (sulfonated polystrene). Assuming a residue molecular weight of 500, a stoichiometric amount of amikacin free base is added at 0-4° C. The H is adjusted to 7 and the product is frozen. Alternatively, the product is freeze-dried and stored in a desiccator. Using chondroitin sulfate as the medicinal complexing agent, other complexes can be made by this procedure. Lidocaine, morphine, gentamicin, clindamycin, and doxorubicin are examples.

Calcium sulfate (1 g) is thoroughly mixed with 50 mg of chondroitin sulfate-amikacin (above) and 25 mg amikacin sulfate(1:2). Hyaluronic acid solution (0.6 ml, 2%) is added and the mixture handled as described in Example 1.

Example 4

Preparation of Cis-platin Beads

Calcium sulfate (1 g) is mixed with 50 mg of finely ground cis-platin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum). To this mixture 0.6 ml of hyaluronic acid solution (2%) is added and the slurry is transferred to a 3 ml syringe as described in Example 1. Using a 20-gauge blunt end needle, the inorganic-biopolymer complex is injected into a teflon mold with spherical holes which are 3.2 mm in diameter. After 48 hours at room temperature, the mold is split and the beads are removed with a dental explorer under sterile conditions. Beads are placed in slits made surgically around a tumor or around the site of tumor removal in an effort to prevent recurrence.

Example 5

Preparation of Cefazolin-inorganic-biopolymer Complex

Polymyxin sulfate solution (10%) is cooled to 0-4° C. A stoichiometric amount of barium hydroxide solution is added to produce the free base of polymyxin and insoluble barium sulfate. Four equivalents of cefazolin, dissolved in 50% THF, are added. After trituration, the suspension is filtered to remove the barium sulfate. The residue is washed to recover all of the conjugate. The solvent of the combined filtrate and washing is evaporated and the polymyxin-cefazolin salt is used as the solid. Calcium sulfate (1 g) is mixed with 100 mg of polymyxin-cefazolin salt and 50 mg of cefazolin-sodium. To this solid mixture is added 0.6 ml of hyaluronic acid (2%). The slurry is administered directly or placed in a bead or tablet mold. Polylysine, polyomnithine, or polyarginine may be used in place of polymnyxin.

Example 6

Penicillin G-inorganic-biopolymer Complex

Penicillin G is employed simultaneously as the salt of potassium, procaine, benzathine, and polymyxin. To 1 g of calcium sulfate is added 100 mg of penicillin G-potassium plus 100 mg procaine-penicillin and 50 mg each of polymyxin-penicillin and polylysine-penicillin. After thorough mixing, 0.6 ml of 20% dextran is added and the slurry handled as described above.

Example 7

An Anti-inflammatory Inorganic-biopolymer Complex

An apolar medicinal complexing agent such as Polysorb 80 is employed with the following forms of hydrocortisone:

A=hydrocortisone hemisuccinate-sodium

B=hydrocortisone

C=hydrocortisone acetate

D=hydrocortisone octanoate

To 1 g of calcium sulfate is added 25 mg each of A, B, C, and D above. To this mixture is added 0.6 ml of 20% dextran plus 100 ul of Polysorb 80. The slurry is handled as described above.

Example 8

Herbicide (dinoseb) Inorganic-polymer Composite

Dinoseb is conjugated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) using water as a solvent. To 1 ml of a PEI solution (10%) is added 200 mg of dinoseb and the pH is adjusted to near neutrality. This mixture (600 mg) is combined with 1 g of calcium sulfate and the slurry used to produce beads with a water-immiscible medium such as sesame oil. Naphthalene acetic acid can be used in place of dinoseb to produce a long-lasting root growth stimulator.

Example 9

Treatment of a Bone Infection

A colt, aged three months, sustained a fracture which was successfully treated surgically to the point at which an infection (Enterobacter) occurred. A matrix including norfloxacin (formulation A of Table 1) was used to treat the infection. After thorough debridement of the cavity, the void was filled with freshly prepared matrix. No surgical intervention was necessary after the treatment. The infection was eradicated and no sign of lameness appeared after 1 month.

Example 10

Preparation of the Salt, Amikacin-chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate (1 g) is dissolved in 4 ml distilled water at 04° C. TCA (1 ml ml, 32%) at 0C is added with stirring. The solution is poured into 20 ml of cold ethanol; the precipitate is collected on a filter, washed and dried. One equivalent of solid amikacin (free base) is added. The solution is adjusted to pH 7.4. It can be used as is or supplemented with amikacin sulfate.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and additions may be made to both the present invention, the disclosed device, and the related system without departing from the invention disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A solid composition comprising a complexed active agent which is dispersed throughout a solid calcium sulfate dihydrate matrix, wherein said composition is the hydration reaction product of an aqueous mixture comprised of:

a) the active agent;

b) calcium sulfate hemihydrate, and

c) a complexing agent which forms a salt or conjugate with said active agent,

wherein said composition is in the form of a bead, wafer, tablet sphere, granule or cylinder.

2. A composition as in claim 1, wherein said complexing agent is apolar.

3. A composition as in claim 1, wherein said complexing agent is selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulfate, polyglutamic acid, polyaspartic acid, polynucleotides, polylysine, polyarginine, polyomithine, cyclodextrin, polyoxyethylene ester, polyoxyethylene ether, and defatted albumin.

4. A composition as in claim 3, wherein one of said polyoxyethylene ester and polyoxyethylene ether is a surfactant.

5. A composition as in claim 3, wherein said cyclodextrin is hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin.

6. A composition as in claim 1, wherein said complexing agent is a lipid or a liposome.

7. A composition as in claim 6, wherein said lipid is a lipid of biological origin selected from the group consisting of cholesterol and lecithin.

8. A composition as in claim 1, wherein said complexing agent is two or more complexing agents of more than one size.

9. A composition as in claim 8, wherein said two or more complexing agents are selected from the group consisting of procaine, benzathin, polymyxin, and polymers of cationic amino acids.

10. A composition as in claim 8 wherein said two or more complexing agents are condroitin sulfate fragments of more than one size.

11. A composition as in claim 1, wherein said active agent is a nonmedicinal compound, and wherein said complexing agent is a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene esters and ethers, and surfactants of either biological or non-biological origin.

12. A composition as in claim 1, wherein said active agent is a nonmedicinal compound, and wherein said complexing agent is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, alginic acid, dextran sulfate, polyvinylpyridine, polyvinylamine, polyethyleneimine and lipids.

13. A solid composition for the controlled release of an active agent comprising an active agent and a matrix polymer dispersed throughout a solid calcium sulfate dihydrate matrix, wherein said composition is the hydration reaction product of an aqueous mixture comprised of:

a) the active agent,

b) calcium sulfate hemihydrate, and

c) a matrix polymer which slows the release of said active agent from said solid matrix,

wherein said composition is in the form of a bead, wafer, tablet, sphere, granule or cylinder.

14. A composition as in claim 13, wherein said matrix polymer is dextran.

15. A composition as in claim 13, wherein said matrix polymer is a biopolymer selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dextran, and protein.

16. A composition as in claim 13, wherein said matrix polymer is a glycosaminoglycan.

17. A composition as in claim 16, wherein said glycosaminoglycan is hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulfate.

18. A composition as in claim 13 comprising an active agent, calcium sulfate dihydrate and hyaluronic acid.

19. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is a medicinal.

20. A composition as in claim 19 wherein said medicinal is a salt.

21. A composition as in claim 19, wherein said medicinal is at least two medicinals of varying apolar character.

22. A composition as in claim 21, wherein said medicinal is a series of bioactive compounds of more than one apolar character.

23. A composition as in claim 22, wherein said series comprises hydrocortisone—succinate, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate and hydrocortisone octanoate.

24. A composition as in claim 19, wherein said medicinal is a drug precursor.

25. A composition as in claim 19, wherein said medicinal is a protein medicinal.

26. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is an antibiotic.

27. A composition as in claim 26, wherein said antibiotic is imipenem.

28. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is a bone morphogenic protein.

29. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is an antineoplastic agent.

30. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is an anesthetic.

31. A composition as in claim 30, wherein said anesthetic is lidocaine.

32. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is a radiopaque or imaging substance.

33. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is a non-medicinal compound.

34. A composition as in claim 33 wherein said non-medicinal compound is selected from the group consisting of a sterilant, a pheromone, a herbicide, a pesticide, an insecticide, a fungicide, an algicide, a growth regulator, a nematicide, a repellent, and a nutrient.

35. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is a herbicide.

36. A composition as in claim 33, wherein said matrix polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, starch, xanthan, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

37. A composition as in claim 13, wherein said matrix polymer is at least one selected from the group consisting of collagen, fibrinogen, and dextran.

38. A composition as in claim 13, wherein said active agent is a medicinal, and said matrix polymer is a matrix biopolymer, and wherein for each gram of hydrated calcium sulfate hemihydrate there is 1-200 mg medicinal and 0.4-3 ml matrix biopolymer.

39. A composition as in claim 13 or 1, wherein said active agent is a vaccine antigen.

40. A composition as in claim 13 further comprising a complexing agent.

41. A composition as in claim 13 or 1 wherein said composition is in the form of a microbead.